”It is my belief that we must, we must absolutely implement stronger measures to avoid the type of results that we are seeing in places like New York City.” 

With those words the city of Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa announced measures that may not last a full 12-weeks, but residents should assume they will.

The city says these measures are in place for up to 12 weeks.

     Anyone with COVID-19 is ordered to stay home for 14 days.

     Anyone who has had close contact with someone who has it is also ordered to stay home for 14 days.

     Anyone who is not ill or has not travelled, is strongly direct to stay home   EXCEPT   to get healthcare or medication, shop for groceries once-per-week, walk their dogs and get daily exercise while maintaining physical distancing.

Mayor John Tory says a bylaw has been drafted to enforce physical distancing that would apply to any city property.

He adds if it’s necessary the city will use it.

”My hope is we do not have to go there,” added de Villa.

     Anyone returning from travel abroad must stay home for 14 days under a federal order.

     Anyone over the age of 70 is strongly encouraged to stay home as much as possible.

     Only essential businesses are to remain open with increased cleaning and active screening of employees at all businesses.

The number of cases in Toronto has gone up 500% in two weeks.

”This is not a favourable trajectory,” de Villa points out.

”I am deeply concerned.”